Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. A foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing, which can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Unlike therapeutic horseback riding (where specific riding skills are taught), the movement of the horse is a means to a treatment goal when utilizing hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. Hippotherapy has been used to treat patients with neurological or other disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, head injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, behavioral disorders and psychiatric disorders

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, and speech therapy that utilizes the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor, and sensory input. It is based on improvement of neurologic functions, and sensory processes, and used for patients with physical, and mental disorders. Especially, in paralyzed individuals it contributes to physical rehabilitation programs .

During a typical hippotherapy session, the child sits on a horse while the therapist guides the horse’s movement. The movement of the horse mimics the normal movements of the human pelvis during walking, and hence, any variations in horse gait enable therapist to measure sensory stimulation, and integrate these measurements with clinical therapies so as to arrive at desired outcomes.

It’s all about movement. The horse’s pelvis shares the same three-dimensional planes as the human pelvis. This movement is multi-dimensional and provides systems-wide impact.

Receiving the movement transmitted by the horse’s pelvis helps the kiddos develop physical skills  essential for daily life.

Hippotherapy improves balance, mobility, and posture. Studies have shown an improved gross motor skills, and functional activities in children with disabilities. The emotional and sensory experiences that come with riding and taking care of horses benefit a child with autism in a positive manner.

This in combination with the existent treatment routine has been proven to significantly increase the well-being of a child with autism.

In short: The dynamic movement of the horse combined with the dynamic environment leads to functional change.

By applying different combinations of patterns, speeds, and riding postures, our highly-trained therapists are able to provide precisely the sensory and neurological input each child will benefit from most.